Author: Rebecca Gilbreath

What We Share

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Not that which we give, but what we share, for the gift without the giver is bare.

James Russell Lowell, 1848

Stray Gifts December-

Something nostalgic: We’ve been to two children’s Christmas programs in the past few weeks, and they brought back memories of participating in a few when I was younger. I’ve also helped put programs together and it is no small task! Hearing children share Christ’s birth in Scripture reading and song was a blessing. I’m also amazed at how much little ones can memorize!

Something enjoyable: The last decade has been difficult. We’ve been a bit secluded due to John’s health issues and have just started to get out more in the last two years. We had been invited to a few church Christmas parties by several local churches and not knowing many people, we were unsure about attending. We did choose to go to one and we had such a good time!

Something surprising: Recently on a Sunday evening, a teenage girl came to church by herself and sat behind us. During a time of handshaking, I introduced myself and asked a few questions. She explained that her grandfather attended this church and she was thinking about visiting more. Much to my surprise, she came to the Christmas party – by herself. She was the first guest there and we arrived soon after. I sat down next to her on the couch and started asking about her day, her school classes, etc. As others started to show up, it seemed that they knew her a bit and conversations started flowing as the hosts were finishing getting dinner ready. We saw her again in church on Wednesday night and her grandpa was with her this time. When he was talking to John before service, the young lady told her grandpa that we were the ones she mentioned to him. The grandpa’s face lit up and he heartily thanked us for being so friendly to his granddaughter. The exchanges I had with her weren’t lengthy or deep, just simple conversations, but they seemed to have made a difference.

Something impressive: A set of five-year-old girl and boy twins sat in front of us during Wednesday night church service. We have seen them before and have talked briefly. I asked the girl how her day was and she responded that it was good. She talked about her day in kindergarten and about her family moving soon. She then asked me, “How was your day and what did you do?”. I shared that I had done some house cleaning and she said that she helps her mom clean the house…especially when company is coming over. Both the twins were great at keeping a conversation going, asking questions, and responding politely and with interest. During the service time, she sang, “Mary Did You Know?” and it was the best version of it I’ve ever heard. The pleasant spirit we had seen beforehand made the special song so much sweeter.

The Try-Angle

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The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle.

-Author Unknown, c.1920s

At the end of the day, if the kitchen sink is full of dishes and other tasks need attention, it can be such a letdown when there is more work to do. It’s easy to just leave it until tomorrow and go to bed, but when tomorrow comes and before breakfast is even cooked, yesterday’s work casts a shadow and has now become extra work for today. With the shift of energy in me over the last few years, every little thing can become a big thing in a hurry. I came across a video recently of a woman who was sharing the same struggle. At night, when she just wanted to be done with the day, she asked herself how she would feel if she took a few minutes and tried to reset the kitchen so the next morning would be easier. She looked at getting the few tasks done as if she were doing it for a friend. If she was a guest and knew her friend was tired, she would offer to clean up to make life easier. She mentioned we do more good for others than we sometimes do for ourselves. “If tonight, I try to tidy up a few things, then tomorrow I will have appreciated the effort”, she said. I’ve started to say, “Tonight’s Rebecca will get these few things done for Tomorrow’s Rebecca”. John and Jonathan help all the time, but sometimes there are a few extra things the guys don’t notice (or care about as much as I do). It has helped me think about the next day and how I would feel if I left certain “today” things undone. This happens more when I’ve spent all day crafting! I’m in the zone of making Christmas cards currently, and it’s easy to let tasks pile up so I can play with pretty paper instead! When Tonight’s Rebecca takes a few minutes to get a few needed things done, Tomorrow’s Rebecca is quite relieved in the morning! I don’t always accomplish this, but I never regret it when I take a few minutes to make tomorrow easier.

Stray Gifts Update! (Comments below collage)

Fall Cards: I think I love making fall cards most of all! The top three are examples of Thanksgiving cards I sent out this year. The “Thanks” card was made for a friend using 3-D leaf stickers I found at Dollar Tree!

Flower Photos: While visiting my dad last month, I saw a few Morning Glory flowers blooming in his yard that Jonathan and I had planted years ago. They grow in the desert quite well and can make a plain rock wall or a trellis look so pretty. When we moved from El Paso, I brought the yellow bell plant with me. It looks so pretty by our front door.

Nature photos: My friend Marie in Pennsylvania shared with me her view from her back porch in early November. My friend Kara (also from PA and Marie’s daughter) sent me the snow photo (taken November 22). She that said one day, ten and a half inches of snow fell before noon! Thankfully, she was able to get a fire going in their stove to help keep them warm.

What the Angels Eat

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When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what the angels eat.

Mark Twain

Something tasty: “We should get a watermelon before the end of the season”, I told John a few weeks ago. This was on a Saturday. After church the next day, I saw Jonathan carrying a large, bulky bag. Our friends had driven to a little tent produce market a few blocks from the church and surprised us with a watermelon and a canteloupe! We hadn’t mentioned wanting a watermelon to anyone! We could smell the melons right away and oh, they were so sweet. They couldn’t have been more perfect. “Watermelon is a memory”, John commented as he was cutting it open. As a child, he used to eat watermelon in the backyard with his grandparents listening to a Texas Rangers game on the radio. I have a special memory of adding salt to watermelon for the first time at my Aunt Madeline’s house. It forever changed how I eat it! I was probably around 10 years old at the time. The watermelon was so good, that John stopped at the tent and bought one a week later. We saw the tent was still up the other day while we were out, and we just might get another one! Both melons were so good. What stray gifts! Disclaimer: Now I don’t know if angels eat watermelon, but I thought the opening quote was cute. There are no photos of the melons to share, but I do have a few others I’ve collected. Comments about the photos are below the collage.

Also tasty was the chicken soup I made from rotisserie chicken. We love Sam’s Club chicken, but nearly every time we go, there is a long line of people waiting for the chickens to be ready. One of the days we were at Sam’s, the chickens were hot and ready and there was no line! We couldn’t believe it, so we bought two because it was rare to not have to wait. We used the chicken for tacos, chicken salad, and soup! Pictured next to the soup are green beans a friend of mine sent me. “Enjoying snipping beans on the back porch”, she shared.

Something beautiful: Another friend sent me this photo of a peony in her yard- one of many. I love it when friends and family send me their stray gifts! The first photo in the second row – Clouds in the desert always bring hope of rain. We did get some rain and it was such a blessing!

Something creative: The card in the middle of the collage was one I made for Jonathan who turned 28 years old this month. The patriotic card is part of a collection of cards I made for military and veterans. Overall, I have 45 cards to send to a charity organization that will send them out to the right places. I will have more photos posted on my Instagram account soon.

The first two photos in the last row are cards made from new templates I’ve been working with lately. There have been several occasions I’ve made cards for – get well, birthday, sympathy. And now with Autumn coming, it’s time to get my fall paper out to see what I can make with them. The last photo is of a card I sent a while ago to a friend to use. She sent me this photo and said, “I used this card today….so grateful to have beautiful cards like this one to send. Thank you!” I always hope the cards I make will be a blessing and her text was an encouragement.

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Psalm 38:4

The Greater Work

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Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.

Oswald Chambers

Sometimes I don’t know how to pray. Illness, loss, divorce, conflicts, and trials abound. I receive prayer requests from others often and having multiple petitions layered upon others, my heart becomes heavy for family and friends. As an empath, I have found that being off social media is best for me. I keep my world relatively small so that it’s easier to focus on those who are close to me. When prayer requests pile up, I feel like I am playing the game of “hot potato” with God. When I receive the request, I think of Romans 8:26-27, and immediately hand it over to God.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:26-27

How do I pray anyway? A few of my friends are dealing with heavy family issues. What do I ask for? How do I form words when the heart hurts, the soul aches, and the mind is numb? The prayer that never fails comes to mind; “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10). Even if it hurts? Even if it means I don’t get my way? Even if someone still suffers, dies, walks away, gives up, or takes years to come back to God? My thoughts are not His thoughts. His timing is not mine. I have found some direction on what to pray for from the book of Philippians when I start to feel overwhelmed.

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

Philippians 1:2-4

GRACE to you (dignity, balance, thanksgiving)–for every mile, for every trial. I ask for new grace to face a new day even when there are no answers – at least not at present. I pray for dignity to accept mistakes and to receive forgiveness, for balance through a diagnosis or other issues with thanksgiving that God’s hand can still keep, protect, and guide.

and PEACE (one accord with God, tranquility, the quietness of spirit)— I long for stillness – not rushing to find answers or even understanding. I urge for reassurance that God alone can fix, bend, and mend people and problems.

MAKING REQUEST WITH JOY – calling out with joy because I go to the One Who has the answers!

No matter the situation, prayer is the greater work. Whether the prayer is short or long, a breath or ongoing throughout the day, God hears. When my soul seeks for a voice, sometimes the only words needed to cover it all from the One Who sees it all are Grace and Peace.

A Knocking from Your Soul

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Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul — and you answer.

T. Guillemets

I can’t help but make something – whether it be playing the piano, writing in this blog, or crafting cards. It may sound a bit dramatic to say, “Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul”, but if you are a creative person, you know what I mean. What if I said it was a calling? Either way, I feel drawn to creative endeavours. I’ve been making cards still nearly every day. Whether I sell them or give them away, it doesn’t matter – I’m going to create anyway. I consider my cardmaking an encouragement ministry, first of all, but if someone pays me for a specific request, I’m grateful and the funds help pay for supplies. I have a few friends who, like me, enjoy encouraging others through a handwritten note and I have been making them cards to send out as they see a need. I have an Instagram account @ stray_gifts_studio where I post photos of a lot of the cards I make. I don’t always have time to photograph all the cards I make before I send them out, but I thought I’d share a few here of what I’ve been up to. It’s been a while since I’ve shared a cardmaking post. Below the collage, I explain a bit about the cards.

Top Row (left to right): I made Valentine’s Day cards to send out using postage stamp frames and stamps. These cards were a lot of fun to make! The middle card was made for a friend’s dad who was having ankle surgery. I used one leaf stamp in varying shades of green with a “thinking of you” sentiment. I thought it made a nice masculine card. The third card was made using a new-to-me technique. I used a leaf image paper punch. The paper punch cut out the leaves and it made for an easy card.

Middle Row: The vintage typewriter set was new to me when I made this card and several similar ones. A friend of mine saw the photos of the cards on Instagram and she loved the typewriter so much, she asked me to make her some. She used them for her handmade cards which turned out so nice! The middle card is not typical – it’s called a ‘flat card’ where you turn the card over for the handwritten note. I made several types of Easter cards – too many to share all the photos. I believe I mailed out over thirty this year. Something neat that happened with some of the Easter cards I sent can be read here in the entry, Where Peace Dwells. The last card was a birthday card I made for John in January. I love the big script “happy”.

Last Row: I made The first card for our interim pastor and his wife. While they were away on a wedding anniversary trip, I made a card for them and brought it to church for everyone to sign. The cards in the middle were made for a special order. The paper is so pretty and looks like linen up close. The last card was crafted recently for our church pianist who had knee replacement surgery at the beginning of June. I brought it to Sunday School for our class to sign.

Thank you to those who are helping spread encouragement and care to others through handwritten notes.

Worn with Thanks

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Those blessings are sweetest that are won with prayer and worn with thanks.

Thomas Goodwin

Something thought-provoking: I saw an illustration on social media which said, “Instead of focusing so much on a To Do List, I’m starting a To Be List.” The other day, John was sitting at my desk looking at the sticky notes of reminders I had neatly placed on the right side and my calendar of events on the left. He seemed a bit numb when he explained he was looking at my brain. If I don’t write things down, I may forget! I am a doer. I enjoy making lists and find great satisfaction when I cross off completed tasks (using a red pen) from a well-thought-out list. I feel accomplished. Having things to do is inevitable as it’s a part of life. Did it matter more at the end of the day, though, that I was busy or that I had been kind? Or calm? Or thankful? No matter the daily dues, did I wear today’s blessings well?

Something unexpected: Our church’s interim pastor and wife were away a few weeks ago for their anniversary. Instead of seeking someone from elsewhere to fill the pulpit, John was asked to preach. He hasn’t preached since 2019. If you’ve followed along here (and you know us personally), you know he has been ill for quite a few years. It has only been close to two years now that he has been upright, able to drive, walk without a cane, and feel progress in his journey to better health. He was concerned that he could stand for the length of his message. He did well and received positive feedback. He has a desire to teach again someday and this was a great confidence booster!

Something enjoyable: In our younger days when John was in the Navy (in Washington), we used to have friends over all the time for dinner and games. Sometimes our friends would stay past midnight! When we lived in Kansas, we had friends we’d play games with until three in the morning. John taught a young families Sunday School class then and they would be at our house often for a fellowship meal. The kids would play in the yard while we adults visited and enjoyed getting together. (These nights were much shorter!) We loved those days and have missed having them be a part of our lives. Since joining our new church here in New Mexico, we have desired to invite others for dinner. It has been years since we have been in a place in our life where that was possible. There are a few people who we connected with quickly and time before and after church isn’t enough for deeper communication. Last week, we had a new friend over for dinner and enjoyed it very much. It seems people don’t do that too much these days anymore. Our next guests have been invited and we have a day planned. (Yes, it’s written on my aforementioned calendar.) It is refreshing to feel connected to that part of us again. We enjoy so much the memories of good fellowship and we look forward to making new ones with our new circle of friends.

A Series of Miracles

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The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.

Hans Christian Andersen

I am thankful for those of you who share your stray gifts with me and allow me to share them on my blog! Here is the latest addition to the growing record of graces.

Top row (left to right): 1) My aunt and uncle have the opportunity to work for their local Parks and Recreation Department. They will be working in a day-use area checking people in. “It has a beach, picnic tables with grills, volleyball and horseshoes”, my aunt shared. The view of the trees and water can be seen from their camper! Such a peaceful view! They have worked at camps before and love doing it. 2) Last week, we noticed our air conditioner unit wasn’t working when the house kept feeling warmer throughout the day. We opened our bedroom windows that night and there was such a nice breeze! Sleeping bliss! 3) My friend Jonna found these wildflowers for her sister whose health had taken a turn for the worse a few weeks ago. Jonna picked them in a field nearby to bring to the hospital room. Beauty can be found even during difficult days. I’m glad she shared that with me. I mentioned Jonna in a previous blog post (The Blesser Himself) when her mom passed away. Her sister has since passed away as well. Please pray for Jonna and her family as the funeral is tomorrow (Wednesday, May 1) and in the days ahead.

Middle Row: 1) Earlier in the year, Jonathan and I divided a large day lily into three separate plants and they are doing well! Also thriving (the plant on the far left) is a yellow bell. It was just a stick with roots when we took it out of the ground and potted it, but we know it comes back every year and had hoped for the best. We pulled it up because it was too close to our wisteria and partly because we wanted to bring it from El Paso to where we live now in NM. 2) While visiting my dad’s house in El Paso, I noticed the roses blooming! 3) The cardinal photo was sent to me by a friend in PA. Stunning!

Bottom Row: 1) The photo of the steeple was sent by the same friend in PA. This view is right across from her office. I love steeples! 2) One of the companies I order craft supplies from always sends a card like this with a cute crafty saying with every order. This one made me laugh because I like to make cards and send them out. I sent the photo to a few others who are a part of my ‘encouragement/card sending’ group. 3) Another craft company I order from sent me a gift! It is their 10th anniversary and to loyal customers, they sent a stamp set with our names. There are three stamps included. One says, “crafted with love by”, another is my first and last name (how neat!), and the last is a pretty flower.

Our everyday, ordinary things are pretty special, aren’t they? A series of miracles…I like that.

Where Peace Dwells

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Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands.

Elisabeth Elliot

Something encouraging this week: I was glad to have come across the introductory quote and to have read the reminder that restlessness and impatience serve no purpose. That type of mindset drains energy, sleep, peace, and joy. Peace is not found in outward sources. It doesn’t come from other people, social media, food, or distraction, but from a trusting and quiet heart. Psalm 36:7, “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.”

Something surprising: Every week, we try to arrive early for Sunday School to have time to fellowship with others and catch up on the week. Some converse quite actively and there are a few elderly women who are a bit introverted and quiet. Yesterday, I noticed one had a bottle of Tea Tree oil she was sharing with another lady. “Oh, you are into essential oils, too?”, I asked. We talked about natural remedies and the complications modern medicine can sometimes have on a body. Her face lit up as she shared her point of view. I was shocked. I hardly ever hear her speak. She sits quietly during the lessons, smiles and nods during various conversations, but that’s about it. We shared what oils John uses to help relieve migraines, and what oils we use to help relieve cold and flu symptoms. It was a fun conversation and I was so happy to see Alejandra open up. We talked about castor oil, too. My dad tells some interesting stories from childhood about having to take castor oil. It seems to have been a “cure-all” back in the day. There are a few women in our church in their 80s and I know there are many experiences they have to share if you only ask. John, Jonathan, and I talked about the conversation on the way home in amazement and wondered what else would spark a great conversation with her again.

Something making a difference: Last week, I wrote about John having a new VA doctor who wanted to change a few medicines. The new prescriptions have arrived. After only a few days of taking them, his blood sugar level has decreased by half. Wow!! His last fasting bloodwork showed that he was near needing insulin if something didn’t change. Thank you, Lord, for the progress and for a doctor who is finally actively working to help.

Something that made me cry: I had made extra Easter cards and sent a few to friends who send out cards regularly. I always hope the cards I make will be a blessing. Sometimes, I hear back from a recipient of a handmade card – that it arrived when they needed encouragement the most that particular week. I do not find that to be a coincidence! Recently, I received a text from a friend to whom I had sent five Easter cards. She shared with me who she sent the cards to and why. Two were for caregivers who are helping her care for her 100-year-old mom (one of them being her sister). One card went to a relative who is a faithful encourager. Another was sent to a long-time friend who is having chemo and radiation for esophageal cancer. The last card was sent to another long-time friend of hers who was soon to have open heart surgery. “Your ministry in cards went to many places”, she wrote. I was deeply moved by her sharing that with me!! To God be the glory.

The Blesser Himself

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Instead of a river, God often gives us a brook, which may be running today and dried up tomorrow. Why? To teach us not to rest in our blessings, but in the blesser Himself.

Arthur W. Pink

Something I look forward to this week: The weather was cool and windy last Sunday – a good day to stay in bed while cozied up under warm blankets, yet I was still looking forward to going to church. I hadn’t felt that way in a long time. It’s been a difficult journey from being full-time missionaries to barely making it to church due to ongoing health issues. John can move more this year than he has in quite a few years and we knew we needed to get back into a fellowship. We recently joined a good church and from our first visits, we felt there was room for us. No one made us feel like outsiders- and even as new members now, we feel like we belong. I love how seamless it was for us to feel a part of this church family. Each week, as we renew the habit of attending a church service, I am happy to get up and be ready- no matter the weather.

Something to pray about: (and maybe you’ll pray, too?) My friend Jonna’s mother passed away last week and the funeral was this weekend. Her mother has been in a care facility for years and Jonna was very involved in her care with paperwork and communication with the doctors and nurses. I imagine there may be more settling to do in days to come. She has a sister who has Parkinson’s and is in the hospital with double pneumonia. Jonna also cares for all things related to caregiving with her. I have never heard her complain even though I know she has had huge responsibilities on her shoulders.

I am also praying for my friend Traci and her family. Their son was killed in a car wreck last October. He was twenty-two years old.

Heavy stuff, I know, which is why these families are on my heart and mind.

Something to feel grateful for: The potential to have a new VA doctor for John was part of the reason we moved from Texas to New Mexico. The doctor he had in El Paso was not a good fit for him, yet as a veteran with no other means of care, he felt stuck. We met with the new doctor yesterday at the Las Cruces, NM VA and immediately felt she was interested in John’s health. She carefully looked through his medical records and after a lengthy conversation, she changed three medications and gave us hope that we hadn’t had before. New bloodwork is scheduled for six weeks, and we can see if the medication and a diet change are helping. This is a huge blessing!

I am thankful the Blesser Himself cares about every one of our needs!

I. Peter 5: 7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Keep Your Heart and Mind

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Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

I research many subjects on the internet concerning healthy eating and lifestyle, curly hair helps, cardmaking tutorials, and more! I see quite often, “Five things you are doing wrong eating on the keto diet”, “Ten ways you are damaging your curly hair”, and “Never say this in a handwritten card”. I see, “You’re doing it all wrong” videos on YouTube all the time – sometimes it is as simple as cooking an egg wrong! No wonder many people are riddled with anxiety! Hearts and minds are confused because there are so many varying opinions about everything and everyone is an expert. Too many voices have filled my head nearly paralyzing me in being able to decide anything. Finding peace in what I eat, how I live, how I style my hair (or whether I let my white hair growth continue without intervention), and what tools I use to create handmade cards has been a journey. The older I get, the less I care what everyone else is doing or what is trending and the more I want peace within. I pray for understanding, wisdom, and a settled heart and mind because I tend to wander from one way to another. “In every thing…let your requests be made known to God”. In everything? Yes, every thing.

Here is the latest in my growing collection of stray gifts: (comments under the collage)

Top Row (left to right): My first flowers in our home in New Mexico were beautiful and had a lovely, soft scent. I don’t need fancy flower vases- a green mason jar will do! My dad is managing my daylilies in El Paso because we haven’t brought them over yet. These were all in one flower pot earlier this year and Jonathan and I split them into three. They were much smaller then but were crowded. Since we divided the lilies, they have been able to stretch out and seem to like the new space so far. The last photo is of my yellow Lady Banks rose bush that is blooming! These are tiny roses and are so cute! Thank you, Dad, for taking photos of them for me!

Bottom Row (left to right): Since I started collecting stray gifts, I have had friends and family who have caught the excitement of looking for God’s gifts in the day. I am sent photos through text messages often. A friend in the Dallas, Texas area sent me the first photo taken at the arboretum. The tulips are stunning! The middle photo is from a friend in Pennsylvania. This farm is over one hundred years old and her grandmother (who is one hundred years old!) still lives there. I love views like these and this particular friend sends me farm photos often. The last photo was taken by me last week. That day, we were out shopping and John was able to find a new pair of shoes. Because he has scars from three ankle surgeries, he has had trouble finding footwear that doesn’t rub against the tender places. Trying on shoes is an ordeal, but he had the energy and the want-to that day. I’m glad we stuck to the task and found a pair after going to three stores. While we were out, we stopped by the local botanical garden. It’s not very big and there weren’t many plants blooming yet, but it is a nice area to walk around. The Bradford Pear Trees were blossoming quite nicely, though. We hope to return in a few weeks as more plants should be blooming. The rain we had recently should help those along!

Other Gifts: A friend in Georgia sent me a photo of daffodils in her front yard. The same friend remembered my wedding anniversary and sent John and me a pretty card! It meant a lot. A friend in NM is a quilter and had lost a “setting triangle” for a Christmas tree skirt she is making. She had scooted her work table over a bit and found it on the floor. It saved her a lot of time looking for that piece in piles of fabric.

Thank you to all who keep the stray gifts movement going! I just love when you share with me what was in your path along the way.